Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Capitol Fence

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2022

1. Capitol Fence Marker

Inscription. William Munro Johnson, hired in 1888 to plan the Capitol's landscaping, designed ornate iron fencing with a granite foundation to demarcate the perimeter of the grounds. The wrought- and cast-iron fencing, manufactured by Mast, Foos & Company of Ohio, uniquely features Texas Lone Star motif. Incorporating iron gates at the five carriage- and six pedestrian-entrances, the fence also functioned to keep wandering livestock off Capitol Square. In 1907, the vehicular entrances were widened, and the gates removed and dispersed to several Austin locations. In 1996, the fence was completely reconditioned, with new pedestrian entrances added to improve access. Also it was painted in its original black and gold colors, although metallic paint was used instead of gold leaf. Several of the original gates were restored and returned to the grounds; the remainder were reproduced from the originals.

Erected by State of Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 30° 16.382′ N, 97° 44.455′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Congress Avenue and East 11th Street. The marker is located directly

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north of the Texas Capital building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capitol Grounds Design (a few steps from this marker); Texas State Capitol (a few steps from this marker); Southern Confederacy Monument (a few steps from this marker); Site of Second Travis County Courthouse and Walton Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor James Edward Ferguson August 31, 1871 -September 21, 1944 (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol of 1852-53 (within shouting distance of this marker); Cannons and Fountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Andrew Jackson Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Also see . . . Texas State Capitol. Wikipedia

The Texas State Capitol is the capitol and seat of government of the American state of Texas. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the structure houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and of the Governor of Texas. Designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888 under the direction of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. A $75 million underground extension
Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2022

2. Capitol Fence Marker
was completed in 1993. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

(Submitted on September 7, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Capitol Fence Marker at the south entrance to the Texas State Capitol grounds image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2022

3. The Capitol Fence Marker at the south entrance to the Texas State Capitol grounds

The Great Walk to the Texas State Capitol image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2022

4. The Great Walk to the Texas State Capitol

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.